Carol singers: How generous are we?

But in these days of rising prices, security fears and political correctness, how generous - in money and spirit - are we to unsolicited callers?

Do we dig deeply into our pockets or adopt a Scrooge "bah humbug" approach?

How do neighbours react when the sound of Silent Night and We Wish You A Merry Christmas interrupts our evening meal or TV viewing?

And is there a difference in attitudes between wealthy folk and the less well off?

The Argus decided to put the generosity of the people of Brighton and Hove to the test.

We accompanied Brighton-based a cappella group The Botticelli Angels and four cute children to serenade householders in different parts of the city and rattle tins for the Argus Appeal.

We called at the same number of houses in each location and compared takings.

And we proved that, with a couple of exceptions, it doesn't make any difference whether you're loaded or counting the pennies - people are happy to give to a good cause.

From council houses in Whitehawk to the exclusive villas of Millionaires' Row, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Here's how our carollers fared.

CHICHESTER PLACE, KEMP TOWN: Average donation £1.13. The late Regency bow-fronted homes of Chichester Place were short on Christmas decorations and many residents remained hidden behind their front doors.

However, those who answered gave generously. Some residents stood and listened to a full carol while one man opened his front door, shouted "very good", dropped £2 in the collecting box and shut the door.

Despite being unsteady on his feet, an elderly man made his way to the front door to tell us how lovely we sounded and drop some of his pension money into our box.

Another household told the children - Alice, Beth, Christian and Jack - how lovely they looked in their Santa hats and carrying candlelit lamps and tambourine.

WHITEHAWK ROAD, BRIGHTON: Average donation 67p. Although one of the less well off parts of the city, Whitehawk residents are renowned for their warm spirit and generosity.

The homes in Whitehawk Road easily won the title of most festively decorated houses.

As we began to sing, residents opened their doors and scrambled for money.

One lady brought her penny jar to the door and tipped the contents into our collecting tins.

A family crowded round to join in a verse of Away In A Manger.

Only one house, where the TV was blaring, failed to respond.

CLIFTON TERRACE: Average donation £1.35. Clifton Terrace is one of the smartest addresses in the city.

Only a few of the houses were decorated but most residents appreciated our festive singing.

One household listened to all seven verses of the Camel Boogie Woogie and appreciated our harmonies. Another lady listened patiently to a solo of Hosanna Rock from eight-year-old Jack.

However one couple were more interested in their evening meal than the carol singing. They steadfastly remained at the table in the window while we sang away.

MILLIONAIRES ROW: Average donation £3.75. Western Esplanade in Hove is home to some of the most famous names and biggest pay packets in Britain.

Although fiercely protective of their privacy, residents gave us a warm welcome.

Some of the houses had lights on but no one answered. But not everyone was so shy.

A young woman answered the door of her home and, seeing the children singing, said "Aaah". She was then joined by her husband and one of the most famous musicians in the world, Sir Paul McCartney.

Heather and Paul nestled together in the doorway and listened as we 'rum pum pum pummed' our way through The Little Drummer Boy.

Then Sir Paul beckoned seven-year-old Christian forward to squeeze a note into his collection box.

The pair wished us all Merry Christmas before going back inside to baby Beatrice.

We had been hoping to catch DJ Fatboy Slim - Norman Cook - and wife Zoe Ball but alas they were nowhere to be seen.

The Argus Appeal raises money for causes around Sussex. Every penny goes to people in need in our community.